Can the NASDAQ keep its party going through Apple earnings?

20:00, 20 July 2015

Share

While the Dow and the S&P remain stuck in the trading ranges that have prevailed for much of this year, the NASDAQ has been on a roll, breaking out to new all-time highs over the last several sessions. This positive divergence appears to be due to the NASDAQ indices having a higher concentration in technology and momentum stocks and fewer defensive stocks compared with the Dow and the S&P 500. Because of this, the NASDAQ has benefitted even more from the risk-on flow of capital from defensive to aggressive stances over the last week with the crises in Greece and China subsiding. Today and tomorrow could become a turning point for the index. After US exchanges close today, Apple, MicroSoft and Yahoo are all scheduled to report earnings. In the case of Apple the street is expecting earnings of $1.81 per share on sales of $49B, with stronger sales form its more established product lines expected to more than offset what looks to be a disappointing launch for the Apple Watch. The reaction to results from these three companies and other major tech players set to report in the coming days could give an indication of whether the current NASDAQ is sustainable, or if it could fall back into line with its peers. We’re heading into the weakest time of the year seasonally for stocks and the reaction to this quarter’s earnings and guidance may indicate whether stocks remain vulnerable to seasonal influences. Trading this week may also tell us if indices are ready to advance again after several months of consolidation or if more digestion is needed with Fed interest rate liftoff apparently still due in the coming months In other news, world stocks, commodities and currencies have been steady today in what may end up being a period of calm between storms. The initial market reaction to easing tensions and risks surrounding Greece, China, Iran and Cuba, appears to have run its course, with traders now trying to figure out where to go next. China continues to make efforts to stabilize its economy and financial system, pouring $109B into “policy banks” like the China Development Bank and Export-Import Bank, which helped to support the Hang Seng and Nikkei overnight. Greece has been quiet for the last few days but could come roaring right back as negotiations on a new bailout package ramp up. Press reports suggest creditors are looking for a new bailout deal by August 6th with the first round of funds needed by August 17th to make another ECB payment. Also a Greek Parliamentary vote on more reform measures is expected by tomorrow. As we have seen recently, deadlines can shift as long as progress is being made, but it appears that Greece is likely to remain in the news right through the summer setting the stage for elections in Spain and Portugal this fall. Corporate News IBM $3.84 vs street $3.79, maintains full year EPS guidance of $15.75 to $16.50 and modestly raised cash flow guidance Harley-Davidson $1.44 vs street $1.39 Travelers $2.52 vs street $2.12 United Technologies $1.73 vs street $1.71, cut 2015 year EPS guidance to $6.45-$6.60 from $6.55-$6.85 Canadian National $1.15 vs street $1.05 Canadian Pacific $2.45 as expected, guides 2015 EPS to $10.00-$10.40 below street $10.44 Economic News Significant announcements released overnight include: Hungary interest rate 0.15% cut to 1.35%, a 0.10% cut had been expected Upcoming significant announcements include: There are no major announcements scheduled for North America today. CMC Markets is an execution only service provider. The material (whether or not it states any opinions) is for general information purposes only, and does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by CMC Markets or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

CMC Markets Canada Inc. is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. CFDs are distributed in Canada by CMC Markets Canada Inc. acting as principal. Trading CFDs involve a high degree of risk and investors should be prepared for the risk of losing their entire investment and further amounts. CFD trading is available in jurisdictions in which CMC Markets is registered or exempt from registration, and, in the province of Alberta is available to Accredited Investors only. CMC Markets is an execution only dealer and does not provide investment advice or recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any CFD. For full details of our fees please refer to our rates schedule. CMC Markets is remunerated through the spread which is the difference between the bid and ask price. Commission and holding costs may also apply.

Apple, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

This website uses cookies to obtain information about your general internet usage. Removal of cookies may affect the operation of certain parts of this website. For more information about cookies and how to remove them, please read our cookie policy.